Representations of British Culture

 Representations of British Culture

How is Human traffic a British film?
Human Traffic is a social realist film which is one of the most common genres of film within the british film industry, in addition the event that take place are set against a cardiff backdrop and follow the british rave culture of the 90's.

What characteristics do you think are British
When thinking about particular characteristics in the film which reflect British culture

Do the characters have a 'British reserve'
The characters featured in Human Traffic all feature a sense of 'British reserve' i.e not being overly friendly and keeping to yourself. This can be particularly seen during the scene below.



Here we see protagonist Jip discuss socialising with the youth and how its a struggle to do so without being under the influence of something due to inhibitions and fear. From this clip we learn that a sense of British reserve isnt exactly intentional as the protagonist does want to socialise however due to fear among others people tend to keep to themselves.


The national anthem question
I believe that the monarchy should still have a role in our society however I disagree with the idea that they should reign over us as I feel that there values don't best reflect our modern society. I find that in someways there presence reinforces the idea of power structures with those born in power keeping said power based on only there family not the work they have done or produced. I feel that there role is best suited as more of a tourist attraction.

What part of the national anthem do you believe in and why?
God save us all - this lyric within the national anthem I feel recognises the idea that we are a nation which is maintained by a group effort.

What part of the national anthem do you disagree and why?
Long to reign over us - this lyric I disagree with on the basis that it somewhat enforces the idea of someone being born to rule over us rather someone achieving such a role.

Why did Jip rewrite the national anthem?
In the clip above Jip mentions that he re-writes the as he feels that he can't exactly relate to the previous one. From this one could suggest that the previous one doesn't reflect the society and world he lives in today yet its about unity. Jip's one reflects rather how society as a whole isn't as together as the previous anthem claims but rather it marginalises his generation possibly out of fear and demonises them. The last lyric "who is the queen" reflects Jip's generation disassociation from British culture by not even know and quite possibly taking interest in a figure whom one can argue is a symbol of Britishness.

Do you believe the new anthem is easier to identify with and why?
I feel that personally I relate to Jip's version of the national anthem since it reflects something I too have been through which is feel disassociated from people and struggling to socialise.

Authority figures
Moff's father -